Celebrate Independence Day at Dallas Fair Park

Celebrate Independence Day with festivities for all ages and beautiful fireworks at MetroPCS FAIR PARK FOURTH from 4:30-11:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2013 at historic Fair Park. Free and open to the public, the family-fun event will feature a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic performance sponsored by Big City Crushed Concrete, “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain, kids activities and entertainment, plus a national-class fireworks show sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers.

Fireworks can be viewed inside the Cotton Bowl or from various locations throughout Fair Park grounds. Due to renovations being made to the Cotton Bowl, stadium seating and handicap seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because stadium concourses will be closed for construction, visitors should be prepared to walk several flights of stairs to get to seating. To enter the Cotton Bowl, visitors will need a wristband, which will be distributed free of charge from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on July 4 at information booths located at Gates D and E of the Cotton Bowl and across Fair Park. Gates D and E to the Cotton Bowl will open at 7 p.m.Produced byPyrotecnico, the fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. with live radio simulcast of fireworks music on 98.7 KLUV and live TV broadcast on WFAA (Channel 8) from 9-10 p.m., which will feature the finals of the first-ever All American Drum Off competition between some of Texas’ top high school drum lines.

Dallas Wind Symphony Red, White & Blue Concert

Enjoy live music including a patriotic performance by the three-time Grammy-nominated Dallas Wind Symphony a t8 p.m. in front of the Hall of State. Led by guest conductor Nicholas Williams, director of the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band, the Dallas Wind Symphony will perform its beloved Red, White and Blue Concert featuring July 4th favorites such as America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, Washington Post March and more.

Bellagio-style “Dancing Water” Shows at the Esplanade Fountain

Delight in Bellagio-style “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain choreographed to music including Stars and Stripes Forever, Over the Rainbow, Yellow Rose of Texas, Aaron Copland’s Hoedown of the popular Rodeosuite, Jarabe Tapatillo (Mexican Hat Dance), Irish Jig and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Showtimes are at 4:30, 5,5:30, 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. For the safety of Fair Park visitors and to protect the fountain mechanisms, wading and swimming are not allowed at any time in the Esplanade Fountain.

The Fair Park Museums

The African American Museum, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park and Texas Discovery Gardens – will be open at varying times on July 4tth. At the Music Hall, Dallas Summer Musicals will feature Flashdance (tickets required; no shows scheduled on July 4). In addition, Summer Adventures in Fair Park™ will be open until 10 p.m. Presented by the State Fair of Texas, Summer Adventures in Fair Park™ is Entertainment HQ where families of all ages can enjoy 20 acres of rides, games, stage shows, water play pools, fountains and misters daily through August 18. (Admission fees apply for museums and Summer Adventures – check fairpark.org for details.)

The Swan Boats will be available for $5 per person. Food trucks and concession stands will sell refreshments, or guests are invited to bring their own picnics. Please note: Concession stands and Swan Boats accept cash only. (ATM machines will be available.). Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, fireworks or firearms are NOT permitted on Fair Park grounds. Strollers, coolers and pets are NOT permitted inside the Cotton Bowl.

Admission is free. The City of Dallas charges $15 for parking within the gates of Fair Park. Or visitors may ride DART’s Green Line Rail to the Fair Park or MLK, Jr. stations. For more information, please call 214-421-9600 or go to fairpark.org.

Please note IMPORTANT CHANGES this year: Fireworks can be viewed inside the Cotton Bowl or from various locations throughout Fair Park grounds. Due to renovations being made to the Cotton Bowl, stadium seating and handicap seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because stadium concourses will be closed for construction, visitors should be prepared to walk several flights of stairs to get to seating. To enter the Cotton Bowl, visitors will need a wristband, which will be distributed free of charge from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on July 4 at information booths located at Cotton Bowl Gates D and E and across Fair Park. Gates D and E will open at 7 p.m. The fireworks, produced by Pyrotecnico, will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Dallas Summer Musicals

Tickets are now on sale at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at (800) 982-2787. You can also purchase tickets in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. g

*Please note that Dallas Summer Musicals/Ticketmaster is the ONLY authorized source for Hamilton tickets in Dallas. If you purchase tickets from any other source, you run the risk of overpaying or purchasing fraudulent tickets.